Elbe Escorted River Cruises

Exploring the Elbe

Travel with Great Rail Journeys
through the Czech Republic into Germany, passing four UNESCO World
Heritage Sites and a variety of medieval towns and cities. Every
twist and turn of the majestic River Elbe reveals a dramatic
skyline of fairy-tale spires, Gothic turrets, and bold onion
domes.

Our Elbe river cruises are designed
with variety in mind; the traveller will be introduced to majestic
cities such as Prague and Dresden, as well as the 'hidden gems' of
Eastern Europe - Melnik, Litomerice, and Decin in the Czech
Republic and Potsdam and Ketzin in Germany.

From opulent palaces that
once housed kings of the past to cosmopolitan cities, every aspect
of Europe's history and culture can be found along the banks of
this graceful waterway.

Cruise the Elbe with Great Rail Journeys

The core of Great Rail Journeys'
brochure of cruises is the guided excursion, a series of short
tours around sites of interest. For example, at Wittenberg in
Germany, you can visit All Saints Church on a tour of the city.
This impressive 'castle church' is known for its association with
reformist monk, Martin Luther, who nailed his seminal work, The
Ninety-Five Theses, to the door in the 16th century.

However, while on-board
entertainment and special outings are available to all our
passengers, you will never be forced to participate in them; you
are free to experience Elbe river tours as you see fit, whether
that's socialising with your fellow travellers, exploring, or
enjoying a quiet drink at the bar.

Every cruise ship on our Elbe tours
is designed to capture the mesmerising panoramas along the river;
consequently, all our boats are equipped with large picture windows
throughout, as well as stylish lounges where you can admire the
passing vineyards and castles in comfort.

The prices of our Elbe river
cruises include accommodation and transport, as well as a selection
of meals and outings.

On-board, guests are treated to a gourmet multi-course menu,
which is accompanied by a selection of delectable wines. Breakfast
is a buffet of eggs, pastries, fresh fruit, cheese, bread, and a
variety of other dishes. Several courses are served for lunch, as
well as a light alternative, such as salad.

You may also want to indulge in local specialities, such as a
salty pretzel or a warming bratwurst sausage.

Guests on our Elbe river cruises are accompanied from London by
a knowledgeable Tour Manager, who will stay with you throughout the
tour to answer any questions you may have about the facilities
on-board or the customs of the German and Czech people. On some of
our ATOL-protected tours, local guides are employed to share their
knowledge of the location.

There is 1 tour matching Elbe River Cruises

Elbe Cruise

Follow the mighty Elbe River as it winds its way through the
dark green landscapes of Europe. From metropolitan Berlin, through
'Saxon Switzerland', take in the incredible cityscape of restored
Dresden and marvel at magisterial Prague. This exciting Elbe
adventure brings you Imperial cities and expansive, beautiful
landscapes as we cruise serenely down one of Europe's grandest
rivers.

The Elbe Valley is home to some of the most breath-taking vistas
of Europe. Beginning in Eastern Europe, in the Krkonoše Mountains,
this legendary river sweeps north and west through Bohemia and
Germany, before joining with the North Sea at Cuxhaven, near
Hamburg. On its journey, the Elbe travels almost seven hundred
miles.

Many of our Elbe river tours begin with a rail journey from
London to Nuremburg in Germany. Our trains continue on to the
vibrant city of Prague, where our guests will be given the
opportunity to explore the city, before boarding one of Great Rail
Journeys' state-of-the-art cruise vessels.

The largest concert hall in the Czech capital, the Municipal
House, is an incredible example of the city's famous architecture.
Inside, the exquisite Smetana Hall has a spectacular Art Nouveau
glass ceiling. Elsewhere, the buildings of Prague are a spectacular
amalgam of different styles, from Cubist, Gothic, Art Nouveau, and
Baroque, to Neo-Classical.

Spend your time in this pretty city soaking in all the sights
its cobbled streets have to offer (the 10th century sculpture of
Jan Hus is always popular with our guests); listen to street
musicians playing old-time favourites, such as the Polka, or relax
with Prague's most famous produce - Pils beer.

A highlight of Great Rail Journeys Elbe river cruises is the
region of the magnificent Sandstone Mountains, near the border of
Germany and the Czech Republic. The soft rocky surface of these
landforms has allowed weathering to carve unusual structures, such
as arches and the towering Hercules Pillars.

Many Elbe river tours call at the idyllic city of Dresden, where
natural and manmade beauty blends together seamlessly. The streets
of this elegant city are home to stunning examples of medieval
architecture, including the Dresden Zwinger, the Frauenkirche
church, and the water palace at Pillnitz Castle.

The Dresden Elbe Valley, a former World Heritage Site, is one of
the most spectacular regions in our itinerary. Here, amid the
characteristic deep forests of Saxony, the epic Blue Wonder Steel
Bridge stretches across the Elbe. Built between 1891 and 1893, this
engineering marvel is one of the most abiding structures in
Germany.

While on our Elbe cruises, you will also have the opportunity to
explore lesser known corners of Europe, such as the German city of
Wittenberg and the 'cradle of Saxony', Meissen, known for its
porcelain and the magnificent Albrechtsburg Castle, whose turrets
climb high into the sky.

Experience & Value

Book with the UK's leading rail holiday operator with over 40
years' travel experience

Our Tour Managers and experienced local guides share their
in-depth knowledge of each destination